
Finding Focus: Summer Reflections for Leaders
It’s summer, vacation season—a time often associated with relaxation and slowing down. But for many leaders, being “on” is constant, even during holidays. This busyness, however, doesn’t always equate to happiness.
If this resonates with you, here are some tips on how to pause and truly recharge.
Rituals for Recharging
To break free from the state of constant activity, rituals are essential. They act as intentional pauses, fostering mindfulness and focus.
- Meditation, prayer, or similar forms of being with oneself and focusing:
Practiced daily, these rituals enhance our ability to be fully present in whatever we do. In other words, they help us stay focused. - Journaling:
Taking time to pause, organize thoughts, and gain some distance from daily life. - Gratitude Rituals:
In conversations with successful entrepreneurs, I’ve learned that they reflect on the day each evening, consciously recalling events they are grateful for. A gratitude journal is also helpful for this. - Changing perception through travel:
“Travel is a draught from the fountain of life.” ~ Christian Friedrich Hebbel. For me, traveling always feels like a mental switch. New impressions create new connections, both internally and externally. Physical movement often brings about mental movement, too.
Reflecting on Your Work and Life
The breathlessness of our turbulent times is often highlighted in pop culture—and it also characterizes how many organizations operate.
Still, perhaps you can use the summer months, aside from your vacation, for a relaxed reflection on your current work situation.
Consider these questions for contemplation:
- What is truly important in my life right now?
- What do I want to spend more time on in the future?
- What am I ready to say STOP to?
Greg McKeown, bestselling author, offers this as a guiding decision-making principle:
“If it’s not a clear YES, it’s a clear NO.”
Warm regards,
Dr. Burkhard Bensmann